From WEC champ to forgotten veteran, the UFC lightweight has been through a lot in his 10-year career.

After an announcement Tuesday morning, originally reported by MMA Fighting, it looks like Varner will add to that elusive resume by stepping in for Bobby Green opposite red-hot Abel Trujillo.

UFC officials did not elaborate on the undisclosed reasons as to why Green won't be fighting on Feb. 1 as part of the UFC's Super Bowl blowout.

In any case, Varner now gets the nod against one of the more physically strong fighters in the division. Blessed with devastating punching power, solid submissions and an elastic chin, Trujillo is as dangerous as they come.

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Coming off a recent victory over the formidable Roger Bowling early last month, "Killa" will attempt to prolong his divisional momentum for 2014.

Varner on the other hand is more than likely on the last legs of any sort of title run. He's posted a pedestrian 2-2 UFC record since making his return last year and just lost a split decision to veteran GleisonTibau back in August.

That means the 29-year-old will be more motivated than ever to disgrace the potential of a promising top prospect, sort of what he did when he leveled EdsonBarboza back at UFC 146.

While Green vs. Trujillo was sure to thrill, Varner should step in nicely and start UFC 169's main card off with a lightweight bang.